Zini Chief calls for stronger community role in small-scale mining licensing

The Paramount Chief of Zini Traditional Area and Vice President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, Kuoro Abu Diaka Sukabe Ninia V, has called for a stronger role for traditional authorities and host communities in the licensing and management of artisanal and small-scale mining activities.

He says communities should not be brought into the process only after mining companies have secured licences, arguing that early engagement can help identify potential conflicts and ensure that mining activities respond to the concerns of local residents.

Kuoro Ninia V made the call at a two-day workshop on artisanal and small-scale mining organised by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Alumni in Wa on September 4-5, 2026.

The workshop, held under the theme “Managing Small-Scale and Artisanal Mining: A Community Mining Perspective in Northern Ghana,” brought together regulators, industry experts, academics, security actors, traditional authorities and DAAD alumni to discuss responsible and sustainable mining.

According to the Paramount Chief, traditional authorities understand the land ownership structures, community interests and potential sources of conflict within their traditional areas and should therefore form part of the mining process from the outset.

He said mining companies and regulators should develop a formal community entry plan that clearly identifies how communities will be engaged before, during and after mining operations.

“Have you organised a meeting with the community? What is the community perspective on this? What were their concerns? Do they have fears? Have they agreed? Have you identified potential conflicts?” he asked.

Kuoro Ninia V also called for greater transparency in the licensing regime, including the publication and sharing of information on mining activities with traditional authorities.

He argued that communities should be able to know who is operating in their areas, the nature of the operations and the responsibilities of all stakeholders.

He further advocated for continuous engagement rather than waiting until conflicts emerge.

The Paramount Chief said local expertise should also be integrated into mining-related interventions, including health, environmental management and land reclamation.

He said involving community members in these processes could strengthen trust, reduce grievances and create a greater sense of shared responsibility for mining activities.

Kuoro Ninia V said the ultimate objective should be to establish a mining system in which government, investors, traditional authorities and communities work together to promote responsible extraction while protecting the environment and local livelihoods.